Bordeaux Cathedral

The towering spires of Saint Andre's Cathedral, also known as the Cathedrale Bordeaux, reach 81 meters (266 ft) into the city's skyline, heralding one of the oldest and most historic churches in France's Aquitaine region. The profundity of your awe, however, may end up depending on the number of French churches you've seen up to this point. But we digress. Romanesque parts of the cathedral date back as far as the 13th century, though it has undergone various additions, renovations and restorations over the centuries to transform it into the looming, beautiful structure visible today. Inside you'll have the opportunity to view its impressive vault, multiple paintings by European artists and a collection Medieval manuscripts that only add to the structure's historic appeal. Because it's strategically located next to several of the city's other notable cultural attractions, including City Hall (Palais Rohan) and the Fine Arts Museum (Musée des Beaux-Arts), this makes for an easy, inspirational and cost-free stop regardless of your religious affiliation (or lack thereof).